Unlock the Hidden Features: Advanced Guide on How to Screenshot on Surface Book 2

Capturing a screenshot on your Surface Book 2 is a simple yet essential skill for various tasks like sharing information, documenting issues, or simply preserving a moment. This guide will walk you through the different methods available, ensuring you can take screenshots effortlessly and efficiently. Whether you’re a seasoned user or a newcomer to the Surface Book 2, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to capture any screen content with ease.

The Classic Keyboard Shortcut: A Time-Tested Method

The most straightforward way to take a screenshot on your Surface Book 2 is by using the classic keyboard shortcut: Windows key + Print Screen (PrtScn). This combination captures the entire screen and saves it as a PNG file in your Pictures folder, under a subfolder named ‘Screenshots’.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
1. Open the window or screen you want to capture.
2. Press and hold the Windows key.
3. Press the Print Screen key (PrtScn).
4. Release both keys.
5. Navigate to your Pictures folder and locate the ‘Screenshots’ subfolder.
6. Find your newly captured screenshot.
This method is ideal for capturing the entire screen quickly and efficiently. However, it may not be suitable for capturing specific areas or windows.

Capturing Specific Windows with the Snipping Tool

For more targeted screenshots, the Snipping Tool comes in handy. This built-in Windows tool allows you to select a specific area of the screen to capture, providing greater control over your screenshots.
Here’s how to use the Snipping Tool:
1. Open the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Select the type of snip you want:

• Free-form snip: Draw a freehand shape around the desired area.
• Rectangular snip: Select a rectangular area by dragging the cursor.
• Window snip: Capture the entire content of an open window.
• Full-screen snip: Capture the entire screen.

3. Click “New” to start the snip.
4. Use your mouse to select the desired area.
5. Once you’ve selected the area, the screenshot will be captured and automatically opened in the Snipping Tool window.
6. You can then save the screenshot, annotate it with pen or highlighter, or copy it to the clipboard for sharing.
The Snipping Tool offers flexibility in capturing specific parts of the screen, making it a valuable tool for various tasks.

Exploring the Power of the Snip & Sketch App

For more advanced screenshot functionality, the Snip & Sketch app offers a wide range of features. This app combines the power of the Snipping Tool with additional editing capabilities, making it a versatile solution for capturing and manipulating screenshots.
Here’s how to use Snip & Sketch:
1. Open the Snip & Sketch app by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Click the “New” button to start a new snip.
3. Choose the type of snip you want:

• Rectangular snip: Select a rectangular area by dragging the cursor.
• Free-form snip: Draw a freehand shape around the desired area.
• Full-screen snip: Capture the entire screen.
• Window snip: Capture the entire content of an open window.

4. Select the desired area of the screen.
5. Once the screenshot is captured, you can use the app’s editing tools to:

• Annotate the screenshot with pen, highlighter, or eraser.
• Crop the screenshot to focus on specific areas.
• Add text, shapes, or other elements.

6. Save the edited screenshot or share it directly from the app.
Snip & Sketch empowers you to create professional-looking screenshots with its extensive editing capabilities.

Taking Screenshots with the Windows Ink Workspace

For a more intuitive and creative screenshot experience, consider using the Windows Ink Workspace. This feature allows you to draw, write, and capture screenshots using a digital pen.
Here’s how to take screenshots with the Windows Ink Workspace:
1. Open the Windows Ink Workspace by clicking the pen icon in the taskbar.
2. Select the “Screen Sketch” option.
3. Choose the type of snip you want:

• Rectangular snip: Select a rectangular area by dragging the cursor.
• Free-form snip: Draw a freehand shape around the desired area.
• Full-screen snip: Capture the entire screen.

4. Select the desired area of the screen.
5. The captured screenshot will open in the Windows Ink Workspace where you can annotate it with your digital pen.
6. Save the annotated screenshot or share it directly from the app.
This method offers a unique and interactive way to take screenshots, especially for users who prefer a pen-based approach.

Utilizing the “Print Screen” Button for Instant Sharing

If you need to quickly share a screenshot without saving it to your computer, you can utilize the “Print Screen” button in conjunction with the “Ctrl” and “V” keys.
Here’s how it works:
1. Press the “Print Screen” button.
2. Open the application or window where you want to paste the screenshot (e.g., email, chat, document).
3. Press “Ctrl” + “V” to paste the screenshot.
This method is perfect for instant sharing without the need for saving the screenshot to your device.

Beyond Basic Screenshots: Exploring Advanced Techniques

While the methods mentioned above cover the basics of taking screenshots, the Surface Book 2 offers additional features for advanced users.
Here are some advanced techniques to explore:

• Capturing a scrolling window: Use the “Shift” key in conjunction with the “Print Screen” key to capture the entire content of a scrolling window.
• Taking screenshots with third-party apps: Explore dedicated screenshot apps from the Microsoft Store, which may offer additional features like scheduling screenshots, adding annotations, or integrating with cloud storage.
• Using the Xbox Game Bar: For capturing gameplay footage, the Xbox Game Bar provides a dedicated screenshot and recording functionality.

Unlocking the Full Potential: Tips and Tricks

To maximize your screenshot experience on the Surface Book 2, consider these tips and tricks:

• Customize the Snipping Tool: Adjust the Snipping Tool’s settings to suit your preferences, such as changing the default save location or adding a delay before the snip is captured.
• Use the keyboard shortcut for quick access: Assign a keyboard shortcut to the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch for faster access.
• Explore annotation features: Utilize the various annotation tools available in the Snipping Tool, Snip & Sketch, and Windows Ink Workspace to highlight important areas, add notes, or create visual explanations.
• Utilize the clipboard history: The clipboard history feature allows you to access multiple screenshots you’ve copied, making it easier to share or edit them later.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of Screen Capture

Taking screenshots on your Surface Book 2 is a versatile skill that can enhance your productivity, creativity, and communication. By mastering the different methods and exploring advanced techniques, you can capture any screen content with ease and precision. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone who likes to share what’s on their screen, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to take your screenshot skills to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I take screenshots of videos playing on my Surface Book 2?
A: While the standard screenshot methods may capture a still frame of the video, you can use dedicated screen recording software to capture the entire video. The Xbox Game Bar, for example, offers screen recording capabilities.
Q2: How do I change the default save location for screenshots?
A: You can change the default save location for screenshots by navigating to the “Settings” app, selecting “System,” then “Storage,” and finally “Change where new content is saved.” Set the desired location for “Screenshots” under “New apps will save to.”
Q3: Can I annotate screenshots with my Surface Pen?
A: Yes, you can use your Surface Pen to annotate screenshots using the Snipping Tool, Snip & Sketch, or the Windows Ink Workspace. These apps offer various pen and highlighter options for adding notes and highlighting specific areas.
Q4: Is there a way to take a screenshot of a specific area of a webpage?
A: Yes, you can use the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch to capture a specific area of a webpage. Simply select the “Rectangular snip” or “Free-form snip” option and drag the cursor around the desired area.
Q5: What are some good third-party screenshot apps for the Surface Book 2?
A: Some popular third-party screenshot apps for the Surface Book 2 include Lightshot, ShareX, and Greenshot. These apps offer additional features like scheduling screenshots, adding annotations, or integrating with cloud storage.